Two teams that met in a pulsating MLS Cup Playoffs series a year ago meet for the first time this season when the New York Red Bulls play host to the Houston Dynamo. The Dynamo ended the season for the Supporters’ Shield holders last year, with a 2-1 win at Red Bull Arena following a 2-2 home draw. The Red Bulls come into the match after having ended their six-game winless run to start the season last week with a 2-1 win against Philadelphia, while the Dynamo saw their winless streak extended to four game following a scoreless draw at Philadelphia.

The Red Bulls have won the last four league contests between the teams – including all three a season ago, outscoring the Dynamo 7-1 in a pair of late-season victories at BBVA Compass Stadium.

The Red Bulls have won on their last two visits to Houston in league play; before last season, the Dynamo were meeting 4-0-3 all-time at home vs. New York. The Red Bulls are 6-0-3 all-time at home vs. Houston.

But the Dynamo won the Eastern Conference Semifinal Series between the clubs last year, winning 2-1 at Red Bull Arena in the second leg, after the teams played to a 2-2 draw in Houston. It was the Dynamo’s first win ever in Harrison in all competitions.

The Red Bulls’ 4-1 win at BBVA Compass Stadium last Sept. 8 was the most goals the Dynamo had allowed in a home game (matched earlier this season in a 4-1 loss to FC Dallas).

The Houston Dynamo saw their winless run extended to four matches, snapping a string of back-to-back losses with a scoreless draw against Philadelphia Union on Saturday afternoon at PPL Park. The Dynamo are in a tie for seventh place in the Eastern Conference with 7 points from 6 games.

LAST MATCH

Dynamo goalkeeper Tally Hall wasn't called upon to make a single save on the afternoon, while Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath was credited with two saves. The closest either team came to scoring was in the first half when an attempy by Dynamo striker Will Bruin found the woodwork.

The Dynamo finished a man down when Kofi Sarkodie was shown a second yellow card by referee Armando Villarreal for time-wasting and was sent off in the 82nd minute.

Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear made one change to the team that dropped a 2-0 decision to the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium. David Horst returned from suspension in place of A.J. Cochran.

The Dynamo saw their winless streak extended to four games, and their goalless streak extended to 229 minutes, following the scoreless draw.

“I think the guys held together well and dug deep the last little bit, and getting a point out of that was good,” head coach Dominic Kinnear said. “It’s a conference opponent; it’s a tough game playing down a man for the last (eight) minutes. Don’t get me wrong, I think in the first half we wanted more than just one point. But I thought the second half, considering the situation, I think the point was OK.”

Dynamo goalkeeper Tally Hall recorded his third shutout of the season – tied with Sporting KC’s Eric Kronberg for most in MLS. The Dynamo had conceded eight goals in the previous three games before the Union match.

“We had those three losses and wanted to get back on the right track,” defender David Horst said. “Right now we’re putting parts of games together and if we can keep putting parts of games together constantly, eventually the whole thing will come together for us.”

After conceding three goals in the 4-1 loss to FC Dallas after center back David Horst was sent off, the Dynamo saw out the rest of the Philadelphia contest after Kofi Sarkodie was sent off.

“There’s nothing we can do about [Sarkodie's second yellow]," Horst said. "It’s just one more step for us this season with a little adversity thrown our way. I think the guys handled it well.”

After Horst returned to the Houston lineup following his suspension, keeping the first-choice back four together for a fifth time in six games, there will be another change with Sarkodie’s suspension for the New York match.

With Brad Davis out for a second consecutive week with a hamstring injury, Boniek Garcia again filled a playmaking role in behind the front two, with Tony Cascio playing wide on the right of midfield.

“We were so close to getting that goal. It did not happen, but at least we had good shape and stayed compact defensively and kept them at zeroes,” said striker Will Bruin.